29 gallon Reef Ready Build Thread

[RUFISHY2]

Ok, so it's really part of a much larger project, but I haven't really been taking pictures of that part, and I think this little side project is kinda cool.

It starts with this 20 gallon that I want to plumb into a system that will also contain a couple of other larger tanks downstairs. (the aforementioned larger project) Forgive the crudity of the pictures, most of them were taken with my cell phone.

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The problem is I really want this to sit right next to the wall. It currently sits away from the wall due to the power filter hanging on the back. If I drill through the bottom of this tank, I'll need to install a weir, which will leave about a half gallon of space for the fish. So I had to up-size, but I didn't want to go more than 30 inches due to space, so 29 it is.

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Drilled some bulkheads, biult an ultra compact durso and prepared to make a custom overflow.

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[RUFISHY2]

Thankfully thanks to 4Adam12 I didn't have to make one. He pulled this one out of a 90, so I cut it down both for height and depth. Clearly he had no trouble growing coraline.

Here it is installed and ready to go.

 

[RUFISHY2]

Now how am I gonna stack rock to cover that thing? With such a small space front to back it didn't leave alot of options. I decided to go with good ol' homemade rock. Here's the framework.

and the finished product. Once a little coraline grows on there you'll never know the difference. If I had it to do over again, I probably would have spent a little more time hand painting some coraline, instead of just splashing a little here and there.

 

[RUFISHY2]

You may not believe it, but cabinet grade stands and canopies are hard to find for a 29. Especially if you are limited to an overall height of 48". So it's gonna be a custom build again. Everything structural is glued and pocket screwed.

Cabinet is beginning to take shape and the rockwork is installed.

Probably start work on the doors tomorrow....

 

[4adam12]

That looks really good so far! What is the rock made out of?

 

[jerseyhokie]

RU, Will corals have issues bonding with the rock? or will their footings deteriorate over time? Very cool idea ive seen in FW tanks but never in SW

 

[RUFISHY2]

The rock is made of pond foam. It is very similar to great stuff but is intended for underwater use. Some other guys on RC have been using it. We'll see how corals bond, I don't see there being an issue. Time will tell.

 

[xcorallusx]

Stand and canopy look great. Does the hardware store have the foam?

 

[4adam12]

What kind of wood did you make the stand from?

 

[xcorallusx]

maple?

 

[RUFISHY2]

Does the hardware store have the foam?

Not here in Roanoke. I had to order it online. A search for "pond foam" will give you a bunch of places. avg. $11 can.

 

[RUFISHY2]

What kind of wood did you make the stand from?

I chose poplar because it was readily available, and the grain pattern most closely matched the grain in my kitchen cabinets. (I think they're birch.)
Hopefully I can start on the doors today, a bit of a plumbing problem in one of the main tanks took up much of my free time yesterday.

 

[RUFISHY2]

I got the doors built last night.

 

[4adam12]

That is really sharp looking. I saw that and looked at the one I am building and considered taking mine outside and burning it.

 

[RUFISHY2]

Thanks or the compliment. I'm sure yours is awesome too.

For a couple of years I only got two channels. One was PBS, so I watched a lot of New Yankee Workshop.

 

[4adam12]

Actually it's just the frame work now. I am in process of priming/sealing it before I add a couple of shelves and then skin it. I like the way that poplar turned out. If I remember correctly doesn't poplar take stain and paint well?

 

[underwaterfirefighter]

Dude! You've got skills with the router! That's gonna be a great looking set up.

Dave

 

[RUFISHY2]

Thanks Dave. I would be very interested to know the story behind your screen name.
Adam - Poplar is considered by most "serious" woodworkers to be a paint grade wood, but I stain it all the time. It does soak in well, and I think it looks good. This will be stained kind of cherryish.

 

[ade]

Ok J after seeing all your skills I need to go back to jedi school. OB1 you are my only help.

 

[REEFY1]

Dude that Rocks !!!!